A thread lift is essentially a non-surgical facelift. It uses dissolving or permanent threads that contain tiny anchors. These barbs latch onto the skin and lift it up the way. The barbs change direction half way through the thread which allow it to fix the lift and prevent it from coming back down. Sometimes known as the puppet lift or one stich facelift, it needs three to six threads inserted on each side of the lower area of the face to achieve a good result.
The dissolving threads are the PDO threads made out of polydioxanone. Apart from the lift caused by the anchors, it causes bio stimulation by triggering collagen production as the thread is absorbed by the body. This results in a further lifting and firming effect. The results from PDO thread treatments last around 12-15 months and is a fairly painless experience.
The permanent threads are either made of polypropylene or silicone. These also stimulate collagen and elastin but their main mode of action is through tissue suspension. They mimic connective tissue that is responsible for keeping the skin taut. With time this connective tissue slacks causing the skin to fall. The permanent threads lift and anchor the skin to the scalp. And because the threads do not dissolve, the lifting effect lasts longer often over 3 years. The lift reduces with time as you get older and the skin gets more slack. Permanent threads are the only real alternative to a surgical facelift.
There as numerous brands of PDO threads. The PDO thread used at Luxe Skin Glasgow are Elionce Rejuva Lift and MINT PDO thread. Most of the permanent threads are made of polypropylene. At Luxe Skin Glasgow we use Spring Thread® which is silicone coated with bi-directional anchors that produce an excellent locking effect. Silicone in a neutral bio-compatible material which means it does not trigger an aggressive response and is perfectly accepted by the body.
Thread lifts are a safe procedure. The materials used in the threads have been used in surgery for decades and therefore have a good safety profile. As with any treatment there are side effects but these can be easily corrected. Infection can occur which may require antibiotic treatment.
The thread can sometimes cause skin bunching which usually resolves within a couple of weeks. Otherwise the thread can be loosened to correct this. If the thread migrates and is too superficial, it can show through the skin. In that case, it may need to be removed and re-inserted. However, it can often be embedded under local anaesthesia or the superficial part removed.
Thread face lift can be used to lift cheeks, jowls, neck and eyebrows. Dissolving threads are suitable if you have mild jowls and facial sagging. They can be combined with dermal fillers for a greater result. For moderate facial sagging, permanent threads are better as the provide a greater lift and are longer lasting. Again, dermal fillers can be added for an even better result. For severe facial sagging where there is excess loose skin, threads may not provide a great result and surgical skin excision may be needed. If you want to avoid the risks, costs and downtime associated with surgery, then a permanent thread lift is a real alternative. The downtime associated with thread lifts is around 1-5 days.
This procedure is done under local anaesthetic. The anaesthestic is injected to numb the face and scalp of patients. The thread is either inserted using a needle or cannula. When doing a thread facelift, one end of the thread lies in the cheeks and jaw line while the other end anchors the thread into the temples or scalp.
For a brow lift the thread lies within the forehead and scalp whereas for a neck lift the thread is anchored behind the ear. Anchoring refers to fixing the thread to less mobile tissue.
PROS:
CONS
Dr Usman Qureshi or Doctor Q is a leading cosmetic physician with over 8 years experience in aesthetic medicine and has carried out over 15000 procedures in his botox Glasgow clinic.
If you’re unsure about which treatment type is right for you or you don’t see an appointment time that suits you, please get in touch using our contact form.
START NOWWhy not tell us about what bothers you about yourself and one of our qualified advisors will be in touch for a no obligation chat about your options.
